Summer FLIP Interview – Meg Sexton

Summer is here, and with it comes vacations, family time, warm weather, outdoor #fun and plenty of opportunities to checkout what Columbus has to offer. We’ve decided to interview the newest member of the FLIP team, Meggie Sexton. Meggie is FLIP’s marketing coordinator and co-race director for the 7th annual Darby Creek Trail Run on Saturday, July 21! Learn a little more about what #inspired Meg to join the FLIP team and all of her community efforts below!

Passions:Long-distance running, writing, strong coffee (two toddlers in tow and a third on the way!), and working on projects that better the Columbus community, including cancer prevention!

Q: What #inspired you to join the FLIP team?

A: It didn’t take much to get inspired by FLIP. When I met Carl back in 2012 or so, I was working at American Cancer Society and knew our paths would continue to cross in the cancer fighting community. Hearing his story about leaving his high-level consulting job and doing this in memory of his father was something that struck a chord in me. I knew that the culture at FLIP and the people behind it were my jam. After meeting more of the Seiley family and the rest of the FLIP team, I knew my passions and skills could mesh well with what they had going. The flexibility and family-centered culture allows me to continue to work in the midst of raising my young children and I couldn’t ask for a better fit and a greater cause than this. Cancer affects too many people and I’m humbled to play a small part in planning preventative, actionable and realistic events that bring attention and proactive habits to fruition in our community.

Q: What activities each year help you get into the Summer mindset?

A: I love the smell of BBQs, the chirping of crickets at night and the later sunset that comes along with summer! Memorial Day weekend is always a great kick-off and usually includes some BBQing with friends. The Kirtland Strawberry Festival is another signature ‘summer’ event in June, where I take my sons to my hometown festival with strawberry sundaes galore.

Q: What places/events around the Columbus community do you look forward to checking out over the summer?

A: Now that I’m a part-time stay at home mom, I’m always looking for fun activities to take the boys! We have a bucket list going and plan to check-out the new Hanby Park Splash Pad in Westerville, the Franklin Park Conservatory, a few day camps at the Westerville Community Center and Vacation Bible School at Church of the Resurrection over in New Albany, to name a few! My husband, Sam, and I always like to get to a few Clippers Games over the summer and tend to visit Hoover Dam and Inniswood Gardens for evening walks!

Q: What about summertime inspires you to help spread awareness for cancer prevention?

A: Summer to me means endless possibility for exercise! From outdoor yoga classes to early morning group runs, and awesome events like Flip’s 7th Annual Darby Creek Trail Run (hint, hint!), I feel like Columbus offers so much in terms of motivation and availability for healthy activities that aid in cancer prevention and happy lifestyles.

Q: Are there one or two “simpleFLIPs” that you have made to your daily routine since joining the FLIP team? If not, what is one that you could make?

A: Yes! I’ve laid off the caffeine and gotten into healthier sleep habits. I’ve also made it a point to give myself 15-20 minutes to read, meditate or just be (with NO PHONE, completely unplugged!) each night before bed – all about self-care and taking time to reflect on the days happenings!